Read More

When they don't have the ball, Clayton operates as one of three midfielders, playing between and slightly behind Marten de Roon and Jonny Howson.

That means he has to be alert to any well-timed runs so that he can make vital interceptions but he's also on hand as an outlet if Boro win the ball back from the opposition.

When Boro do have possession, more often than not Clayton immediately slotted between Dani Ayala and Ben Gibson to form a back three in a 3-4-3 formation.

To Clayton's credit, he makes the swift changes of position look effortless and that takes some doing.

He has good game sense and reads play well, which is vital if a player is potentially going to be the last line of defence.

Indeed, he did operate as a sweeper on occasions and, while Boro lost 1-0, the goal they conceded was the result of an awful Ayala mistake rather than a moment of poor defensive work from the team as a unit.

Read More

Given that he had such an important defensive role in the team, it was surprising that Clayton took most of Middlesbrough corners and free-kicks.

Not that his delivery is bad, just that he inevitably has to get back quickly if the opposition break from the Boro box, turning defence into attack.

Against Wolves, Clayton seemed to be constantly involved in the action. One moment he was sitting on the ball on the edge of his own penalty area looking to play a forward pass, the next he was crunching into a tackle, the next he was curling in a free-kick.

It's not clear yet whether Monk will persist with his current favoured formation, but as long as he does, Clayton will be one of the first names on his teamsheet.